Sample Prep Technical Tips

SPE Does Much More than Sample Cleanup
In a perfect world, samples could simply be injected directly with no negative effects.  But, in reality, matrix components can decrease analytical accuracy and increase instrument maintenance.  SPE is a common technique for dealing with matrix issues, but it's also useful for other purposes.  In this article, Restek reviews the primary uses of SPE and explain how the right approach saves time and reduces frustration.
 

Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)
SPE is a broad term to describe the digital (step wise) separation technique where liquids contact sorbents, and organic compounds or ions in the liquid adsorb to the functional group(s) of the sorbent.
 

QuEChERS
QuEChERS (pronounced Catchers), is an acronym for Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe. The process is a sample extraction and clean-up technique widely used for the analysis of multiple residues in food, forensic and environmental samples.

When should I use thermal desorption vs. other air sampling techniques?

Please refer to the following table for a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of canisters, gas sampling bags, and solvent desorption tubes (thermal desorption tubes).

What is SPME

Solid phase microextraction, or SPME, is a fast and versatile sample preparation technique that reduces sample handling and solvent consumption. It can be used for headspace and immersion sampling while producing very clean extracts...